Perceptions of adult patients on hemodialysis concerning choice among renal replacement therapies.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to explore what patients on hemodialysis perceive concerning choice among three types of renal replacement therapies: transplantation, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis. METHOD A qualitative phenomenological research design was employed in this exploratory, descriptive study. A convenience sample was recruited from two urban dialysis units in the southern part of the United States. The analysis was performed using Colaizzi's (1978) phenomenological technique. RESULTS Two themes emerged from analysis: knowledge and choice. Participants perceived choice in their renal replacement therapies. The predominant theme reflected that most participants had knowledge about at least two of the three types of renal replacement therapies. CONCLUSION The areas of choice among renal replacement therapies, education about all renal replacement therapies, and other dynamics that impact choice, need to be studied. Inquiry needs to remain treatment specific and include all renal replacement treatments available to the patient. Future studies should continue to investigate perceptions of choice, and no assumption should be made about whether patients undergoing hemodialysis are receiving information or education on all the options for renal replacement therapy. Additional research within this area will validate needs and concerns of these patients.